The Florida Board of Governors recently received an update on the Florida Alliance for Quantum Technology (FAQT), a partnership among the state’s public universities and industry leaders to advance quantum technology in Florida. The alliance aims to strengthen research, develop workforce training, and foster partnerships that could make Florida a leader in quantum innovation.
“I applaud our universities for their vision and investment in quantum research and workforce development,” said State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues. “Through their collective efforts, anchored by the Florida Alliance for Quantum Technology, our institutions are fueling job creation and positioning Florida as a national leader.”
All 12 public universities in the State University System are part of FAQT, along with various industry and government partners. In October 2025, 15 universities signed a memorandum of understanding to establish FAQT at the Florida Quantum Beach Conference. This agreement is designed to coordinate expertise across member institutions, state agencies, private sector innovators, and investors to speed up research, commercialization efforts, and workforce development.
Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly commented on the collaboration: “Florida’s consistent track record of being the best state in the nation for higher education, talent attraction and development, and entrepreneurship demonstrates our state’s commitments to workforce development. By collaborating with Florida’s top-tier public and private universities, and state colleges, we are building the way forward for the talent and innovation that will drive the problem solving capabilities that quantum technologies can bring to national security, protecting personal and financial data, manufacturing, aerospace and aviation, military and defense, finance and fintech, life sciences and energy production—across the state.”
The alliance intends to create education programs focused on quantum technology careers; attract new industries; promote advanced research; form strategic partnerships; and seek federal or private investments.
“Quantum science is a critical area of investment for the nation, state and our university system,” said Dr. Stacey S. Patterson from Florida State University. “This MOU sends a clear signal that our universities are united in this effort to use their talent and resources to build the quantum workforce and develop next generation technologies.”
Dr. Winston Schoenfeld from University of Central Florida added: “Florida’s universities bring exceptional strength and momentum to this emerging field. As Florida’s technological university, UCF is proud to be part of the team leading this work. By aligning the collective expertise of faculty and researchers across our state, this partnership accelerates innovation, strengthens our talent pipeline, and positions Florida to set the national standard in the quantum era.”
Dr. David Norton from University of Florida stated: “Quantum technologies promise to revolutionize computation, communication, security, and beyond. Working with the state and industry, our universities can accelerate Florida’s advancement in these areas which are critically important to our economic and national security.”
Drs. Norton (University of Florida), Patterson (Florida State University), Schoenfeld (University of Central Florida) briefed members of the Board’s Strategic Planning Committee about FAQT’s ongoing progress.
More information about FAQT can be found at faqt-florida.org as well as materials from recent board meetings at flbog.edu/session/strategic-planning-committee-19bc2owe.
